Isack Hadjar calls Spa-Francorchamps his 'top three' circuit ahead of 2026 Belgian GP

Isack Hadjar has put Spa-Francorchamps on his personal F1 pedestal ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix at the legendary 4.352-mile Ardennes track.

The 20-year-old French driver called the circuit one of his top three, praising its mix of speed ranges, overtaking spots, and iconic elevation changes. Hadjar also flagged setup headaches-especially balancing rear-wing load for Sector 2’s high-speed turns versus straight-line speed in Sectors 1 and 3.

What did Hadjar say about Spa-Francorchamps?

Hadjar called Spa one of his top three circuits, citing its "good mix around the lap in enjoyment in terms of every speed range." He added that it’s "probably the best racetrack for cars like Formula 3," where drivers race closest together. The track’s elevation changes and flowing layout make it "perfect," he said, though setup decisions-like rear-wing load choices-remain tricky.

Why Turn 1 and Eau Rouge matter so much

Hadjar labeled Turn 1 the toughest corner on the lap because of unpredictable grip and front-lockup risks. "If you get this one wrong on the exit, your lap is pretty much over," he said, noting the long climb that follows. He also recalled his first Eau Rouge run in Formula 4 seven years ago: "I felt like my head was going down in the car!" Now, he’s used to it-but still loves the challenge.

Weather and setup: the Spa wild card

Spa’s changeable weather remains a nightmare for teams. Hadjar admitted he’s had sessions where he didn’t even know which tires to fit. This weekend, however, looks dry-rare for Spa-though he still expects a tough call on rear-wing settings. "Most of us only have one rear wing configuration so far," he noted, adding that even with limited parts, the track stays fun.

What’s next for Hadjar at Spa?

The Frenchman heads into Friday’s practice sessions with fresh memories of his 2025 F2 win and 2026 F1 points debut at the same track. Hadjar called Spa-alongside Monaco and Suzuka-tracks that "need to stay on the calendar forever." He’s eager to tackle the circuit again, even if setup choices keep him guessing.

Belgian Grand Prix schedule (all times Eastern):

- Friday, July 17: Practice 1 (7:30-8:30am), Practice 2 (11:00am-12:00pm) - Saturday, July 18: Practice 3 (6:30-7:30am), Qualifying (10:00-11:00am) - Sunday, July 19: Race (9:00-11:00am)